Mayors Karen Freeman-Wilson, Ed Pawlowski to Speak in Support of Community Development Block Grant Funding

Sara Durr

2 years ago

Washington, D.C. – On behalf of The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), Gary (IN) Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and Allentown (PA) Mayor Ed Pawlowski will participate in a Congressional roundtable discussion on the importance of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs, both of which are slated for elimination in the Administration’s budget blueprint for FY 2018.

Mayors across the country are deeply troubled by the President’s proposal and have been consistent in their support of CDBG. Yesterday, the Conference released a bipartisan letter to Congressional leaders in both the House and Senate reiterating its support of the CDBG program. More than 350 mayors representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, signed the CDBG letter and remain committed to fighting this destructive cut.

“Since 1974, with Presidents Nixon and Ford, we established the Community Development Block Grant Program at HUD. The partnership between HUD and cities, counties and states, as mayors, county execs and governors will tell you, has been the key funding partnership that has been most successful in providing jobs to people and economic development where people live,” said USCM CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran.

“OMB Director Mulvaney is dead wrong when he says CDBG is not working. He needs to call the 350 mayors who have signed our letter and vowed to fight him on the CDBG elimination. OMB Director Mulvaney needs to listen to our elected local officials — those closest to the people who live in our cities, counties and states. Director Mulvaney should call these and he will learn that this program is more than his favorite target, meals on wheels. He has made that program serving so many as an example to what is wrong with CDBG. It is unfortunate that he, as OMB Director, is confused or doesn’t care about the people he is hurting with his budget. HUD Secretary Carson’s statement to ‘stakeholders’ is baffling and most unusual. I’m reminded of the two characters from the Wizard of Oz, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow. Brains and hearts are missing in the formation of this budget,” Cochran concluded.

Hosted by The House Committee on Financial Services Ranking Members Maxine Waters, Dan Kildee and Emanuel Cleaver II, today’s discussion will feature community leaders from both urban and rural areas and how they have effectively utilized CDBG and HOME funding for various projects and programs in their communities.

WHAT: Congressional Roundtable on CDBG & HOME with Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and